Protest leader Carlos Mamani was charged Saturday with murder, aggravated robbery, possession of firearms, criminal organization and attacking state officials. A hearing is expected in the coming days.

Bolivian President Evo Morales called the minister's death a "conspiracy" against his governments based on efforts to overthrow him.

During a news conference, he said protests were carried out with backing from the right-wing opposition.

"Now we are getting information and finding documents that say this is to take down the government," he said.

Opposition leaders, however, denied involvement in the minister's murder.

Independent miners block a main highway during a protest against Bolivia's President Evo Morales' government policies, in Panduro south of La Paz, Bolivia, Aug. 25, 2016.

Miners were demanding changes in laws, and on Tuesday protests turned violent after they blocked a highway and clashed with police. At least two miners died in the clashes. Miners later agreed to begin negotiations with the government Friday.

Protesters want mining concessions and the right to work for private or foreign companies, and greater union representation.

After the news of Illanes' death, government officials ceased talks with miners and asked for the maximum 30-year sentence for those found guilty in the case.